Links (4)

We are pleased to be members of the NJPN, which exists to encourage work for Justice and Peace by promoting liaison and communication among diocesan groups. A network of diocesan members, fieldworkers agency representatives and individuals is maintained through regular communications, open networking meetings and the organisation of a national annual conference.

Tourism Concern works with communities in destination countries to reduce social and environmental problems connected to tourism and with the outbound tourism industry in the UK to find ways of improving tourism so that local benefits are increased.

The Hunger SiteYour click on the “Give Free Food” button funds food for the hungry, paid for by site sponsors whose ads appear after you click and provided to people in need around the world through the efforts of Mercy Corps and America’s Second Harvest.

EveryclickEveryclick.com enables you to raise money for charity every time you search the web.

CAFODCAFOD is the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development. It is the official overseas development and relief agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

The Sean Devereux Children’s FundSean was an ex Salesian pupil, teacher and volunteer who was murdered in Somalia in 1993. The fund supports Salesian projects in Africa in his memory.

CAATThe Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) is a broad coalition of groups and individuals in the UK working to end the international arms trade.

ECPATECPAT UK stands for End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and the Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes. It is a children’s rights organisation campaigning against the commercial sexual exploitation of children (such as those exploited in tourism).

Pax ChristiPax Christi strives to help the Church and the wider community to proclaim and to make peace.

Student Christian MovementSCM is a movement seeking to bring together students of all denominations to explore the Christian faith in an open-minded and non-judgemental environment. SCM members regularly take part in local and national action and campaigning for justice and peace issues.

Control ArmsControl Arms is campaign run jointly by Amnesty International, International Action Network on Small Arms and Oxfam International.

Practicalities

Free quick and easy sign-up to the local British Embassy – so they know where you are in an emergency.

Information on planning ahead (including information on health insurance and benefits), some general advice on staying healthy while you’re away and what to do when you get home.

NHS Fit for TravelCountry by country vaccination requirements. However, it is still important you see a professional.

In association with the ‘Know Before You Go’ Campaign, we are working with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) to do all that we can to help British travellers stay safe overseas. Before you go overseas, check out the FCO website at www.fco.gov.uk/travel. It is packed with essential travel advice and tips, and up-to-date country information.

The challenge

The Rector Major said “I believe in the volunteer programme… it is the best expression of what Salesian Youth Ministry is, sharing fully in Salesian community life… You discover the beauty of giving yourself to other people in service…But to be a volunteer is not a vocation, it is an opportunity to develop in the personal project of life.”

He went on to state that volunteers need good accompaniment.

The dream

Volunteers have the option of being supported by a “Salesian Companion”, who is:- A lay person in the UK, committed to the Salesian family as a Co-operator or VDB- Competent using the internet for communication- Able to relate well with volunteers (aged 18+)

The role is expected to entail:- Meeting with them (or at least speaking over the phone) before they leave the UK- A time commitment of around one hour a week- Praying for the volunteer and their intentions- Supporting them with Salesian and other Christian materials for reflection and discussion, including materials relevant to the Salesian and liturgical calendars- Gently exploring the vocational options open to them on their return to the UK- The possibility of an ongoing relationship after their return, if desired by both the volunteer and the companion

The role should not include practical, day-to-day issues or issues with the Community; these should continue to go through the returned volunteer and BOVA.

At this stage this is a pilot programme within BOVA, with selected companions supporting selected volunteers in order to trial the idea. When this has been evaluated we hope to expand this initiative to other Salesian family volunteer organisations.

Aim: To accompany volunteers on their faith journey

How?

Be a (virtual) companion on their journey

Be interested in them

Start from where they’re at – listen

Encourage

Pray for them and their intentions

Share something of yourself, including your vocation story

When you feel it is appropriate, gently challenge

Use the “seasons” – both Salesian and liturgical

Use the Strenna/Salesian family theme

Do some research about the host country and culture

“A spiritual companion helps a person notice, savour and respond to the movement of the Divine in the spiritual practice of ordinary life. The companion is a listening and supportive person who creates an environment where one can look honestly at his or her relationship with the Sacred.”